Baseball if in full swing

This is the second season that Ryan has played for the Northland Yankees. It sure is a long drive three or more times a week. However, it is SO worth it. In this photo are some of his fellow team-mates.

This boy is a baseball marvel. Seriously......... is there anything he doesn't do well?

I was "busting at the seams" proud of him.

We played two games and won both. This put us in first place.

Way to go Northland Yankee's!!!!

I am placing the last few items in my suitcase. Then I'm off to Florida. I'm looking forward to beach, ocean and girl time. I won't be posting until next week. So until then my friends!!!!!!!

A Week In My Life (day 4)

Happy Earth Day!!!!!!

6:30 Alarm goes off

6:35 Wake up the kids and lay out clothes for Gracie

She is already concerned for Cookie (the surviving rabbit). So after she is dressed, she heads out to check on him/her. When I talk to Gracie, I refer to Cookie as she. Although, I really have no clue? That makes her happy, so............ so be it!!

7:15 I take the kids to school because I have lots of errands in town to do. After making it all the way to town, Ryan informs me that he has left his backpack at home. He has his algebra book in it and he needs it by 12:30. That means......... another trip to town.

7:45 All the monkeys are delivered to their schools and I head to Westlake's Hardware to buy two bushes for the front porch. I have two empty large pots that need to be filled. I find what I want plus a nice flowering weeping cherry tree. I decide that I MUST have it.

8:30 I'm back home. I work on yesterday's blog, clean a bit and start the never-ending flow of laundry.

10:00 I head back to town to take Ryan his backpack.

10:30 Tanning at Sophisticuts

10:50 I run to Hometown Pharmacy to buy Gracie a Webkin that she wanted. I'm still hurting for her. While I'm there, I pick up some things from a friend that sells Mary Kay. A girl has to have her make-up!!!!

11:30 I'm home again. Now it's pouring. I suppose that baseball practice is cancelled tonight. Whew!! Kinda glad. (is that bad of me?)

"The Box Lady" delivers Ryan's much anticipated Nikeid shoes. He custom made these on the computer. They were a little pricey, but he is super excited about them. Ryan studies shoes. He knows what he likes, and what he doesn't.

I put at least five more loads of laundry through the washer and dryer. I love the feeling when laundry is done. It doesn't happen often and when it does, it doesn't last. There is ALWAYS laundry at my house!!!

2:30 I head back to town to pick up the kids. This is what my drive down Calhoun St. looks like. Today is dreary and rainy. I sometimes like these days.

This is where I park to wait on the boys to get out of school. I usually read or check status updates on Facebook.

I have all the kids in the car. Ryan is reading Gracie's library book. He tells me that "Calvin and Hobbs" is his favorite book. Ugh! Really?

Gracie is also reading.

Ian is hiding because he has entered this "don't take pictures of me" phase. It is totally driving me crazy. Every time I point the camera at him, his arm goes over his face.

Gracie shows me her back bend

There were no tears tonight about Nibbles. She said that one of her classmate's hedgehog died the same night as Nibbles. She said that they made each other feel better and talked about their pets during recess.

Our evening was uneventful.

Rick was working in the E.R. in Boonville, MO. So I made an easy dinner of eggs, sausage and rolls. The kids would eat breakfast three times a day, I think.

We watched Avatar together. It was relaxing. I thought several times about how thankful I was to be home and not driving in the city today.

Since Rick was gone, Gracie slept with me. She read books while I read a magazine.

All in all.......... it was a nice day.

During my Bible study today I read these verses,

"O LORD, you have searched me

and you know me.

You know when I sit and when I rise;

you perceive my thoughts from afar.

You discern my going out and my lying down;

you are familiar with all my ways.

Before a word is on my tongue

you know it completely, O LORD."

Psalm 139:1-4

This reminds me that God knows all my junk, and still loves me. It also tells me that he is in every single situation that I face every day. Every time slot that I have filled in the last fours days, He has been there. That comforts me more than I can tell you.

A Week In My Life (day 3)

6:30 Crawl out of bed. I am surprisingly not as tired as I imagined I would be. It was a pretty short day but I'm ready to tackle today.

The coffee helps

6:30 I figured the kids would want 20 extra minutes of sleep. I decided to take them to school. I have already showered. I go upstairs to pick out clothes for Gracie and wake up the boys.

7:30 The boys get dropped off first since Ryan has a Fellowship of Christian Athletes meeting. Ian also has a planning meeting for Fellowship of Christian Althletes. I love that they are involved in this program. It's so worthwhile.

8:00 I'm back home. I begin uploading photos from yesterday. I blog until it's time to leave.

9:00 It's time to head to church. I cook every Wednesday for Fellowship dinner. I've done this for three years now. It's a volunteer position with very little recognition. However, I love the new (lifelong friends) that I have made. Around this time of year I begin to be weary of going. I am looking forward to the Summer break.

9:15 As I pull into the church parking lot, I notice all the lilacs and cherry blossoms. I want to capture how beautiful they are. I realize that this time next week, they will probably be gone.

This is my friend Karen. She, Alicia and I are the only ones cooking this morning. Usually we have another gal named Terri with us. Our help has been short-handed this year. It' a difficult meal so we don't have the fun today that we normally do.

This is Alicia. I call her my "Kitchen Mommy".

We are making:

Turkey

Noodles

Mashed potatoes (this means we peel and chop 80 pounds of potatoes)

Salad (with fresh veggies)

Green Beans and

Assorted cakes (Alicia always is the cake master. We had at least 7 or 8 kinds)

all of this will feed 250+ people tonight.

2 and a half flats of strawberries that had to be rinsed, stemmed and chopped

oodles and oodles of noodles

This was a fudge marble cake that I made. I was especially proud of the pattern. We iced it so no one was able to see. I'm glad I took a picture.

pineapple upside down cake

and pound cakes

This is the lower entrance to our church. We call it the C.L.C. entrance (Christian Life Center) I spend lots of time here. I am taking a mental note to take more photos of it.

12:00 The "Church Ladies" decide to go to Golden Corral. It's quick and everyone can get what they want.

12:50 I leave to go tan at Sophisticuts. I need to get brown for my Florida trip.

1:15 I go home to let Gus go potty, switch laundry, etc.

2:30 I leave to get my hair done. It is a process that smooths my hair. My hair tends to be frizzy in the summers. This is the second time I've done it.

Grandpa also helps me run Ryan to the dentist. He has a check-up on his braces and a cleaning.

4:00 I get home and gather up the kids to head back to church

5:00 Church dinner

6:00 Nancy and I lead girl's group. They were wild tonight. These are the nights when I wonder why I do this.

7:00 I get Ryan and Gracie and head home.

7:10 The reason why I am attempting this week-long challenge is so I will remember . Yet, there are occasions when you don't want to remember. This evening was one of those times. One of Gracie's bunnies died. It was Nibbles.

She was upset beyond words. I thought about the photographs that I am supposed to be taking, but I couldn't. I needed to be mommy at that moment. We buried Nibbles and I put my arm around Gracie while we swung on the porch swing. I hugged her what seems like a hundred times.

Her heart was broken because of her bunny. My heart was broken because hers was.

A Week In My Life (day 2)

6:30 wake up

I go upstairs to wake up the kids. I lay out Gracie's clothes for the day. It's difficult to dress her right now because it's cool in the mornings and warm during the day. I settle with capri's, short sleeve shirt, and a jacket.

6:40 I make coffee, per Rick's request.

6:50 I load the kids up in the car to go to the bus stop. We don't wait long this morning before he comes. Sometimes it's 5 minutes, sometimes it's 15 minutes.

7:05 I begin my day. Making my bed, drinking coffee, and checking e-mails and blogs

7:30 Gus still isn't feeling well. He ate a piece of cheese and 1/2 of a spoonful of peanut butter. I can just tell he isn't up to par.

7:30 I'm documenting yesterday

9:30 I go outside to finish mowing. After a few times up and back, Gus greets me. Since I left him in the house, it dawns on me that a door has been left open. So him and I walk back to the house. During this time, he has several tummy episodes (ugh). I clean him up and tie him outside. I cannot trust him inside while he is sick without me being in there. I bring him several toys and fill up a tub of fresh water for him to drink.

10:56 I get the mower stuck in the mud. I dread telling Rick but he was very kind about it.

11:05 I put a second coat on Gracie's playhouse. I've almost finished the house. I still have to paint the trim.

12:00 I hop in the shower and get around.

12:30 I go to the vet to get medicine for Gus' belly. They warn me that he won't like it. Great!!! I managed to get it down him with very little problem. He didn't like it but I squeezed his jaws together until he swallowed. Sorry Gus.

He couldn't reach the little bit left on his nose. I thought it was cute and had to take a picture.

1:00 I finally eat for the first time today. I've been so busy that I hadn't really thought about it until now. I settle for a bowl of Golden Crisp because it's quick and easy.

1:20 As I'm watering flowers, I notice chalk drawings that Ian and Gracie made. Some were on the side of the house, the others were in the driveway. There are little evidences everywhere that this is a home where children live. I like that!!!

Ali Instructs us to take at least one photo of yourself each day during this week. UGH!!! Since I am the picture taker, this means that I stand in front of a mirror with the camera. I feel like a cheeseball.

I look like a deer in the headlights in this photo!

2:00 I come inside to get things around for a double header baseball game in Liberty, MO. Jackets, drinks, etc.

2:15 Rick calls and says he was able to switch E.R. shifts with another doc. This means he will be able to come to the games. He needs me to bring jeans, a long sleeve t-shirt and a pullover.

2:30 Clark's furniture shows up with Ian's new chest of drawers and nightstand. I know that this is going to excite him. As they were lugging the chest upstairs, one of them notices Congo and calls him "a damn mountain cat"! I thought that was funny and chuckled several times the rest of the day about it.

I feel a strong nesting urge to decorate but I must resist because I need to get the monkeys from school.

2:45 Pick up boys at the Middle School then head to Field to get Gracie

3:00 Run to Sonic to buy snacks and drinks for the kids. They are always starved when they are done with school.

3:15 I'm city bound with three kids in the car. There is construction from Cameron to Kearney. This seriously slows the drive down.

4:45 We are officially in Liberty. I run to Michaels to get vinyl for Ian's wall. The kids all want something.

Gracie wants: a roll of yarn so she can finger weave during the game

Ian wants: a roll of duct tape and the latest book in a series he reads

Ryan wants: camo duct tape.

5:00 Go to Target to buy snacks and drinks for game. I just received an e-mail on my phone that said there will be no concessions tonight.

5:30 Arrive at Pleasant Valley Baseball Park

6:15 1st game begins. It's nice to see the kids and parents of the players. I'm enjoying reconnecting. Ryan pitches the first game. He does well. Only 1 unearned run. They won the first game

Ryan is explaining to me in this picture how big the umpire's strike zone is. Not big!!!

10:20 Ian, Gracie and I are leaving in the last inning of the game. It's late and we are freezing. I was ill-prepared for the dropping temps. Not enough blankets, coats, etc.

12:00 I crawl in bed and sleep like a baby

Things I want to remember about today..............

1. Gracie immediately found a friend at the ball game. Her name was Allie.

2. Ian reads during the entire double header. He was so excited to start his new book but he had to finish the one he was already reading. I love that he is a reader. I will GLADLY buy him all the books he wants. For his birthday, he is asking for a NOOK. Google them, they are pretty neat.

A Week In My Life (day 1)

I am doing an online challenge with Ali Edwards. It's called A Week In The Life. I thought you might want to know what all this useless chatter was about. Click on the link I attached if you are interested in joining us.

6:30 Alarm goes off. I have Gracie in bed with me since Daddy worked in the E.R. last Sunday night. I love that I never have to be alone when I sleep.

6:35 Wake up the boys and picked out Gracie's clothes.

6:40 Let Gus out to potty. He won't eat his treat for coming inside quickly. Usually this is a big deal to him. (that's strange)

7:15 We leave for school. Today I am taking them because I have errands in town.

Both boys go to the middle school

While Gracie get's dropped off at Field.

7:45 I need to go to Lowe's to buy paint for Gracie's playhouse. I have vowed to finish this before I leave for Florida. I only have one week (eeeekkkk!!!)

8:15 I head to Wal-mart to fill the fridge. We had no milk, bread or eggs. (Ian might add that we also had no snacks.) I forgot to get two of the things that were on my list. This is normal. I spent $137.00. I do this at least once a week. We average 4 to 5 hundred dollars in groceries each month. I'm guessing that this summer it will increase to 5 to 6 hundred. I live with human disposals!!!!!

9:00 I unload groceries and take Gus out to potty again. He still isn't eating. Now I am super worried.

9:30 I start the second week of my new Bible Study. It's called "Walking By Faith". I'm REALLY, REALLY liking it.

10:15 Gus and I go to pick more tulips popping out of the ground. I've thought a hundred times about how thankful I am that I planted those. They are out of sight of my house. Therefore, I feel no guilt about picking them and putting them in a vase. I love flowers from my garden. Somehow they are more special to me than those purchased from a store.

10:30 I begin the daunting task of mowing our supersized yard. This is the second time I have mowed this Spring. I love doing it, however, I'm feeling a little overwhelmed about all the things on my list.

12:00 I only mowed half of the yard. I will finish the other half tomorrow. It's best for me to do it in two chunks. I am moving on the painting Gracie's playhouse. I picked a nice shade of "Lemon Sorbet" at Lowe's. I hope that it looks like pale butter. I think matched up against the bright white trim would look so girly!

12:45 I come in the eat a quick bowl of O's cereal then head back out to paint.

2:00 My arms have finally given out. I decide to sit in the sunshine on the deck and read for a while. This is Kate Gosselin's newest book. It's little nippets of their life and special letters to each of their eight kids. I feel like this ties in nicely with this "Ali Edwards project".

Note: It's really easy to not like Kate because of her dominate personality. Through this book I have realized how she struggles with guilt, perfection and let's be frank, BEING A MOM!

I am on Kate's boat. I appreciate her faith and her undying love for all those babies. Whew, I sure couldn't do it.

3:00 I come inside to shower and get around. I like to do this before the kids get off the bus. That way I can focus on them when they get home.

3:40 The monkeys are getting off the bus and walking into the house. They always....always ask for a snack. I try to have fruit, granola bars, and cheeses around the house. But they usually want cookies, brownies, and pop-tarts. I guess this is my fault for buying and making all that stuff.

4:00 Ryan and I head to town. My friend and Aunt (by marriage) has bought a new house. I wanted to see it. I was happy to see that Grandma and Grandpa were there helping. So, I got to see everyone + the house. Sweet!!!!!

4:50 Ryan and I go to the high school for registration. I was really overwhelmed by this for some reason. I'm sure it's because he is the first of my kids to do this. I am so glad that he is growing up so nicely but part of me would love to go back and do it all over again. Wow, the things I could do differently.

5:00 Registration has begun. I am in complete awe everytime the speaker says "High School". For Pete's sake, where did the time go? We were only able to pick three classes as the other four were mandatory. I was thankful that I only had to make three decisions. I wasn't mentally prepared to make a four-year plan. Rick has called twice to check on me. He really wanted to be there. Since it started at 5:00 and he works 30 minutes away, it just wasn't practical. I have everything under control.

Out of the three classes, we had to pick one math class. We had three options.

1. Pre-Algebra

2. Algebra 1

3. Geometry

He is in advanced Algebra this year and maintains an A-. So we bumped him up to Geometry. Since he has to have four math credits to graduate, he has to take an advanced math class every year of high school. I know that he will do fine, but I worry.

The other two choices were.......

Spanish (most universities require two years of foreign language). Since he is focused on MU right now, we will get Spanish out of the way.

The last choice was Ag 1. This really surprised me (and his dad). I was in Ag all four years of high school. I was even State Farmer my Senior Year. Deep down, I'm proud of him for making this choice.

6:00 I am mentally exhasted now. I stop by McDonald's to get the kids supper (bad mom) and head home. I enjoy time alone with Ryan in the car. I learn alot about him during these times. He told me about the thrills he gets turkey hunting. I didn't know how important this was to him.

6:25 I head back to town for a Sara Stafford's 21st birthday. Her dad is Rick's P.A. at the office. We have known them for almost as long as we have lived in Chillicothe. I feel like I have watched Sara grow up. It was fun but I realized that one margarita is really too much for me!!! I was loopy and giggly. I sat with them for over a hour and a half until my tingles went away.

8:30 I'm on my way home. I'm glad that the kids will still be up when I get home. Gracie has showered and all homework is done. Rick does such a nice job while I'm gone.

9:30 I hit the sack. I'm tired from the downhill rush of the margarita and all the work that I did today. I know that tomorrow will be "filled to the brim" with more work. Nite-nite.